Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Association of West African Media Lawyers (WAMELA) has petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), calling for an investigation into Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported plan to contest for a Senate seat in 2027 while still serving out his tenure as governor.
In the petition dated October 20, 2026, and addressed to the chairman of the bureau, the association urged the CCB to determine whether the governor’s reported senatorial ambition raises issues of abuse of office or conflict of interest under the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
WAMELA cited Paragraph 1 of Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which prohibits public officers from abusing their offices.
It also referenced constitutional provisions empowering the bureau to receive and investigate complaints of breaches of the Code of Conduct and, where appropriate, refer such cases to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The head of WAMELA in Nigeria, Mr President Aigbokhan, said the association’s concern was not whether a sitting governor could aspire to another elective office, but whether pursuing a senatorial nomination while still in office could create a conflict between personal political ambition and constitutional responsibilities.
“Our concern is not whether a sitting governor could aspire to another elective office, but whether he can pick a senatorial nomination to pursue a senatorial seat in 2027 while his tenure remains subsisting till 2028 could create a conflict between personal political ambition and the constitutional responsibilities of the office.
“The oath of office taken on assumption of office is a binding constitutional undertaking, not a mere ceremonial formality,” he said.
The association further argued that the use, neglect or compromise of the powers, privileges, resources or responsibilities of the governorship to advance personal political ambition could raise questions of abuse of office and conflict of interest requiring investigation.
WAMELA asked the bureau to register the petition, conduct a preliminary assessment, verify the reported senatorial nomination within seven days of receiving the petition and take appropriate lawful action based on its findings, including a possible referral to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The association is committed to promoting and protecting freedom of expression, press freedom, access to information, digital rights, media independence and the safety of journalists across West Africa.
It also engages in strategic public-interest litigation and advocates constitutional governance, the rule of law and democratic accountability across the region.
